Depression and Anger Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
A brief digest about this topic
Anger can motivate you to solve tough problems, stand up for yourself if you’ve been wronged, and energize you to protect yourself, your family and others. But misplaced, bottled-up or over-the-top anger isn’t so positive. It can harm you and others in your life—and may keep you from getting help you need for the mental health issue that’s frequently hiding underneath: Depression. Persistent sadness may be the classic clue to depression, but often chronic anger and irritability are the only signs that you, or someone you love, is struggling with low moods. Up to 60% of people with depression may, at one time or another, have uncontrollable “anger attacks.”
Fast Facts:- Anger, aggression, reckless behavior and violence--especially in men--may be warning signs of hidden depression.
- Depression is common among people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anger and irritability are often part of the mix.
- One theory says depression is anger turned inward—especially if you’re feeling frustrated or believe that others don’t respect or care about you.
- Uncovering the reasons for buried anger can help you understand depression, and help you make changes that lift it.
- An anger management class can help you understand angry reactions and learn more effective ways to express your thoughts, feelings and needs.
The Top 3 resources shared on this topic. More resources.
Key stats and trends about this topic
Related WisdomCards
Related Health Centers
Featuring the top 3 experts for this topic
The Reader's Digest Version health cards were created to provide you with the Reader's Digest Version answers to your health questions: quick, succinct, simple, and 100% reliable. Each card was compiled by the editors of Reader's Digest, one of the world's largest and most trusted brands, based on interviews with doctors and the most current scientific research. Our goal: to help you achieve your best health, the simplest, most direct, most trustworthy ways possible.
These health cards were developed in partnership with OrganizedWisdom.com, where health experts find the tools and inspiration to share their wisdom with the world.
Advertisement
